a dozen new state laws will go into effect. some were highly discuss. one allows gay couples to marry as of january 1. baltimore city elections will now be held in the same cycle as the presidential elections. for veterans, the department of veterans affairs will be required to give out something of their status. another new law will make it easier to protect kids and disabled -- a parent or guardian can freeze their credit report. advocates say they hope will protect foster children. >> we are hoping that the credit bureaus and the department of human resources will be able to get to some data sharing so they can freeze them or stall them as well as help them to get access to their credit report. >> maryland is the first state to pass bill law allowing minors the ability to freeze their credit reports. kim dacey, wbal-tv 11 news. >> 37 degrees at 5:06. a petition growing against a church group. >> george h.w. bush takes a turn for the worse. >> this is a live picture on the west side. it looks pretty good here. >> welcome back